by Online casino players every day are getting smarter and more intelligently approach not only to the choice of online casinos, but also to the gaming process itself. That is, they try to choose slots based not so much on the colourful animation and functionality, but on the potential for possible winnings. This is where the knowledge of the concept of dispersion and volatility is applied.
What is the difference between volatility and dispersion?
Users who consider themselves the most ‘advanced’ and have excellent knowledge of the device of modern slot machines, very often give advice:
You want big winnings, play DOA – it’s a high variance slot, but it can give. And the bonus should be washed on Starburts – it’s a low dispersion slot
Unfortunately, they are misguided and confuse the concepts of dispersion and volatility. It’s like a bottle and a barrel. Both objects can be used to draw liquid. But one is big and iron and the other is small and glass.
Dispersion
Dispersion is a measure of the variation of values of a random variable relative to its mathematical expectation.
Doesn’t that definition mean anything to you? Then let’s make it simple.
As an example, let’s consider the slot from Netent – Starburst. Its RTP is 96.01%. In fact, this figure means that from each bet of 1USD the player gets 96.01 cents back, the rest of the funds are received by the casino. But this is in theory. In fact, RTP is calculated based on several million bets (spins). And only by making the total number of bets included in the calculation cycle, the player will get the specified RTP. We also take into account that one slot can play several thousand players, and the value of this indicator is constantly changing.
The change of RTP in relation to the bets made by players is the dispersion!
For example, if you take the percentage of return during the month in a particular casino, it can be lower than the manufacturer’s stated value and higher. And there have been cases when the RTP exceeded the factory parameter twice! Roughly speaking, most players just unspeakably ‘rash’.
Volatility
Volatility – characterises the gameplay. It shows how often the winnings will appear.
Speaking of the potential of video slot to give a big win (maximum multiplication of the current bet), should be guided by the parameter volatility.
There are three main types of volatility:
Low volatility games
It is often said about such games that they ‘hold the balance’. That is, winnings appear quite often, but their size is not impressive. Of course, it is possible to get a good maximum multiplication of the bet, but it is relatively small and exceeds the bet no more than 1000 times. In general, ‘drag’ on such slots will not get, but to unwind the balance or launder the bonus is quite realistic. Such games include: Starburst.
Games with medium volatility
Slots ready to ‘tickle’ nerves, as they are quite capable of giving the maximum multiplication of the bet up to 5000 – 10000 times. Winnings will appear less often, but their amount will be more impressive.
High volatility games
Change live slot machines. For one spin can give a simply incredible winnings, exceeding the initial bet in 10 000 – 100 000 times! Winning can wait a few dozen spins and not the fact that it will be large. When playing such slots you need a good balance or a hell of a lot of luck. Such games include: Dead or Alive first and second part, 300 Shields, Bonanza, DaVinci’sTreasure. And also all slots with a large jackpot.
When characterising a game by the parameter of a big win or frequency of occurrence of winnings, you should use the definition – volatility. The definition of dispersion is more suitable when characterising the slot at a certain point in time, namely whether it is possible to win often or not, even despite its volatility.
It’s very simple
- Volatility – shows whether you can make a deposit on the slot or not.
- Dispersion – the slot now (in the moment) or not.
That is, even if you play 300 Shields, but the variance is low (the slot tends to a set RTP), you can get the maximum multiplier in literally ten spins.
Where to find information about the slot
This is secret 😁information available to a limited number of people. But we will share it with you.
Volatility can be determined in several ways. By downloading the game to familiarise yourself with the pay table. If the slot when the top combination appears on each pay line, multiply the bet 10000 times or more – highly exciting. And so on.
Some manufacturers, in particular Pragmatic Play notify the player about volatility when loading the game. Others publish the information in the slot menu (but this is very rare).
Another option is to download the game in free mode and just play.
It is basically impossible to determine the dispersion on your own. Especially since the manufacturers do not publish the data. Since, having such information, hypothetically you can increase your chances of winning.
Conclusion
I hope we have explained what Volatility and Dispersion are. And which parameter is responsible for what and characterises what. Play wisely and responsibly!
